The provincial adult tertiary eating disorders program provides specialized care for adults 17 years of age and older, who have a DSM V diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).

Referrals

Referrals for assessment and treatment are accepted from secondary eating disorders programs (where available) across the province. In the event that a secondary program is not available, referrals are accepted from mental health teams and/or secondary service community care providers.

Clinical Services for Eating Disorders

Our program provides robust interdisciplinary clinical services. Following the referral and intake process, patients are provided with specific treatment recommendations based on their medical acuity, symptom severity/life interference, and engagement with treatment in their community. Our services include:

Outpatient treatment

Our program offers an intensive day hospital treatment program called Discovery, which has a residential facility component called Vista House (in collaboration with Vancouver Coastal Health).

In addition, we offer a variety of outpatient services that support patients as they prepare to enter into our programs, as well as transition back into community care.

Inpatient treatment

Our tertiary inpatient program is called 4 Northwest. It is located on the 4th floor of the Burrard Building at St. Paul’s Hospital.

Our unit is dedicated to caring for people with eating disorders. Our program consists of a multidisciplinary team specialized in supporting patients who are working toward nutritional, medical, and psychosocial recovery goals.

Research

Our program is engaged in innovative research in the field of eating disorders and provides knowledge translation, education, consultation, and outreach activities to support a network of eating disorder services for adults across the province. The Director of Research in our program is Dr. Josie Geller.

VCH Partnership Program location

Vista Residence is located at 3360 Fleming Street, Vancouver. Patients reside in this residence while receiving day treatment in the Discovery Program.

Eating Disorders Program Patient/Family Advisory Committee

Providence Health Care is committed to working with patients and families in delivering excellence in care and making a better health care system. The PHC Eating Disorders Program Patient and Family Advisory Committee is a partnership with the Eating Disorders Program and patients and families to ensure that the voices, opinions and needs of our patients and families are included, respected and understood. The Advisory Committee consists of a group of current and former patients, family members, clinicians and administrators. The group strives to ensure that the program provides excellent quality care, quality improvement and an informed evaluation process.

If you are interested in learning more about the Eating Disorders Patient and Family Advisory Committee, please contact Patty Yoon, Operations Leader at 604-806-8347.

Resources

Why did I develop an Eating Disorder? – The Biopsychosocial Model

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise

Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a simple and effective technique for reducing overall body tension. This tool can easily be learned and practiced anywhere and yields a variety of benefits including reducing stress and anxiety.

Grounding Exercise

Grounding is a technique that helps keep someone in the here and now and in reality. It can be helpful in managing overwhelming feelings or intense anxiety and regaining mental focus.

Mindfulness of Breath Exercise

Mindfulness of breath uses the breath as an object of focus as a way to develop an alert and sensitive awareness.

Events

We offer an education day three times a year specifically designed for families and friends supporting adult loved ones with eating disorders. This day is also open to professionals who are seeking more information about eating disorders treatment with adults and their families.

Mental Health Crisis Information

If you or your loved one is experiencing a psychiatric emergency or crisis, please call the Mental Health Emergency Services 24 hour crisis line – 604-872-3311. Or, if you’re able, come to the St. Paul’s Hospital Emergency Department.